Are there Toyota 4Runners in Australia?
Not officially. Toyota does not sell the 4Runner in Australia as a new-vehicle model. If you’re after a 4Runner, you’re looking at either older, imported examples or choosing among Australian-market Toyotas with similar capability, such as the Prado or Fortuner.
The question covers whether Australians can buy a 4Runner at all—new or imported—and what official options or pathways exist. This article outlines the current Australian lineup related to rugged SUVs, how private imports could work under Australian rules, and practical considerations for ownership.
Official Australian availability and closest alternatives
The following overview explains what Toyota offers in Australia that fills a similar role to the 4Runner—rugged, family-friendly SUVs with off-road capability.
- Land Cruiser Prado: A mid-size, increasingly popular seven-seater known for its off-road ability and reliability. It is the closest official analogue to the 4Runner in Australian showrooms.
- Toyota Fortuner: A Hilux-based seven-seat SUV that shares many underpinnings with the Prado but is typically positioned as a more compact, value-focused option.
- Toyota RAV4: A compact SUV with optional all-wheel drive and modest off-road capability in higher trims; widely marketed for daily driving with some rugged capability.
- Toyota Kluger (Highlander in some markets): A larger, family-oriented seven-seater with a focus on comfort and practicality, less extreme off-roading but strong on-road capability.
- Land Cruiser (LC300) and other full-size SUVs: Toyota’s flagship models available in Australia for buyers seeking maximum off-road capability and luxury, though they sit in the higher end of the market.
These models collectively cover many of the roles the 4Runner plays elsewhere—rugged capability, seating for families, and varying levels of off-road performance—without offering the 4Runner brand name itself in new-car form.
Can you import a Toyota 4Runner to Australia?
If you’re determined to own a 4Runner, there are pathways for private import, but they come with rules and costs. The most common route is via Australia’s “25-year rule,” which allows certain vehicles to be imported if they are at least 25 years old, subject to compliance and safety requirements.
Key steps and considerations if you go down the import route:
- Age eligibility: Vehicles must be at least 25 years old (calculated from the year of manufacture) to be eligible for import under the private-use scheme.
- Left-hand drive vs right-hand drive: Most U.S.-market 4Runners are left-hand drive; converting to right-hand drive can be expensive and may affect insurance and registration.
- Compliance with ADRs: Imported vehicles must meet Australian Design Rules (ADR) or be acceptable under a registered importer’s compliance pathway, which may require modifications or testing.
- Costs: Shipping, import duties, GST, registration, compliance work, and potential maintenance parts can add up and may exceed the cost of a locally available alternative.
- Parts and service: Availability of spare parts and local specialist support for a grey-import 4Runner can be limited compared with Toyota’s Australian models.
- Insurance and resale: Some insurers may hesitate or charge higher premiums, and resale value depends on model year, condition, and compliance history.
In practice, private imports are technically feasible but often expensive and complex to execute. For many buyers, official Australian alternatives such as the Prado or Fortuner offer a simpler ownership experience with local support, easier resale, and simpler servicing.
Summary
Bottom line: there is no official new Toyota 4Runner available in Australia. Australians can buy Toyota SUVs like the Prado, Fortuner, RAV4, Kluger, and LC models, which cover similar needs for ruggedness and family use. If a true 4Runner is essential, a private import under the 25-year rule is possible but comes with regulatory, cost, and logistics considerations. Prospective buyers should weigh local alternatives against the challenges of importing a 4Runner.
